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Synonym Chooser

How is the word vital different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of vital are cardinal, essential, and fundamental. While all these words mean "so important as to be indispensable," vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

When might cardinal be a better fit than vital?

In some situations, the words cardinal and vital are roughly equivalent. However, cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

When can essential be used instead of vital?

While the synonyms essential and vital are close in meaning, essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

Where would fundamental be a reasonable alternative to vital?

While in some cases nearly identical to vital, fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vital President Trump will give remarks Thursday afternoon to mark the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, which established the program that now serves as a vital source of income for millions of Americans. The Hill Staff, The Hill, 14 Aug. 2025 The museum’s young entrepreneur programs, a youth workforce development training teaching vital workforce skills, and art and STEM community engagement projects are also facing closure, according to McDaniels. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025 But thanks to journalists, academics, and politicians in the West denigrating their vital work, the entire field of journalism has been made politically irrelevant. Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025 The Publisher Playbook Ligue 1 McDonald’s approach offers a replicable playbook for sports publishers and leagues worldwide: In today’s dynamic digital landscape, building global fan communities is a vital element of any winning strategy. Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vital
Adjective
  • The energetic period piece follows five young and wealthy American women in the 1870s, who travel to London searching for husbands.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Carpenter was the epitome of poise, delivering an energetic and entertaining performance on stage while controlling the moment with a quick wit between songs.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans can vote for most categories through the VMAs website through Sept. 5 — except for Best New Artist, for which voting will remain active into the show.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a nonprofit that tracks political violence, the Proud Boys have been less active in 2025 than over the preceding several years.
    Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This type of human-machine collaboration is essential for unlocking new levels of performance without requiring a complete overhaul of existing operations.
    Alexander Clausbruch, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • And likewise, emergency radio alerts proved essential during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether that lethal combination continues moving forward, time will tell.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The prosecuting attorney for the 23rd Judicial District has ruled that two Cabot Police Department officers were justified in using lethal force in a May incident that didn't result in death or injury, the Arkansas State Police announced Tuesday.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That is a crucial step in the process to receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Managment Agency, or FEMA.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Research from the Max Planck Society reveals a crucial difference between empathy and compassion.
    Sahar Andrade, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Other favorites were the spicy, savory and crunchy Shiseido peppers, nicely balance with a refreshing melon salad.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The sight of people eating together, laughing, and walking outside in the sunlight was refreshing after hours of scrolling through videos of tasks completed alone in greige apartments with overhead lighting.
    Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This dynamic, automated and tamper-proof validation offered superior assurance compared to traditional static reporting methods.
    Mirror Tang, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • So the references to the father-son dynamic — including several The Suicide Squad clips used as flashbacks — can feel on the silly side.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Its Crown Kids Club pulses with creativity—think gooey slime-making, art workshops, kids’ gymnastics, and lively Pokémon shows—plus a dedicated cinema, a LEGO playroom, a mini kitchen workshop, and a glittering Princess Spa.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The lively multi-cultural party band Kotoko Brass plays on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on Guilford Green Stage One.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vital. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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